Found: Moisture-Wicking Socks That Will Keep Your Sweaty Feet Dry (2024)

This double-layer running sock is purpose-built for long, sweaty walks. It features a double-layer design with wool on the outside that's super breathable, and a buttery soft, next-to-skin inner that wicks away moisture like a champ. When we tested these during a two-mile walk on an usually hot spring day, our feet still felt fresh and dry.

Our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, is a huge fan of the design, finding it extremely comfy. The seamless toe closure, left/right anatomical fit, and strategically placed cushioning all make these extremely a joy to wear, mile after mile. "I actually dig them a lot and they feel less sticky/tacky than other moisture-wicking socks I've worn," he says.

Read more: Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear

Many runners (including many of us here at MH) prefer a sock with minimal cushioning for long-distance endeavors to minimize the chance of chafing and blisters. Our go-to is Feetures' Ultra Light No Show.

Even as one of the brand's lowest no-shows, it still has tongue and ankle tabs to help prevent ankle chafing from the shoe collar. Not only has it kept our feet cool and dry through many long-distance runs, but it's covered by a lifetime warranty, too. We've slipped on this Feetures sock during our everyday runs and found that it helped prevent blisters more than other moisture-wicking options.

Cotton isn't the most workout-friendly sock fabric. But, this cushioned crew sock from Nike features a good blend of cotton and synthetics that offers the best of both worlds: The softness and comfort of cotton with the moisture-wicking, odor-resistant properties of nylon and polyester. We love the added dash of spandex, which gives just enough stretch to conform perfectly to your feet. The reinforced heel and toe have kept this pair in our rotation for a long time, which is what you really want out of a great pair of socks.

At around $5 per pair (not to mention they'll last for years), this is among the best value moisture-wicking socks we've ever tried. It doesn't offer the same level of performance as more premium socks with Merino wool or high-quality synthetics. But, given the affordable price, durability, and popularity this sock boasts, it's a worthy contender in your sock drawer.

This athletic sock is made with Coolmax fiber, which helps keep perspiration in check when lifting, running, or cycling. We appreciate the seamless toe closure to prevent yarn chafing and discomfort while on the move. The light compression design provides just enough "squeeze" to stimulate blood flow and provides a more snug fit. Bonus: Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. We also like that it's available in a variety of bold colors (like pink and bright red).

With a 3-pack priced at around $40 (and often on sale for much less), this is another great value pick. It's also incredibly well-reviewed on both Reddit and Amazon. Take note: some testers found that this sock frayed after a year of using it.

Related: Best No-Show Socks For Men

Saucony has been a solid name among runners for well over a century. So, it's no surprise that the Bolt performance sock is a fan favorite. Its polyester fabric blend wicks away moisture with ease, whether we were running outdoors, or lifting heavy. We also like the Bolt's targeted arch compression, which helped us feel more locked in during our workouts. It's available in a good selection of colors and pack sizes, including six, eight, 12, or 18.

With some six-packs available for just over $10 (that's less than $2 a pair!), it's hard to beat the value in this moisture-wicking sock. Even if you're a frequent marathon runner, you can score a year's worth of sweat-resistant socks for less than $50.

This lightweight performance sock features moisture-control fabric, a ventilated upper, and comfort seams for zero chafe and blisters. It has a nylon blend that absorbs moisture and releases sweat.

This sock also features a tab right below the ankle to protect your achilles from discomfort when up against the collar of your shoe. But, best of all, the fabric is coated with an antimicrobial finish to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

Hikers demand a lot from their footwear, and this full-cushioned sock from Darn Tough is, well, pretty darn tough. It features a high-tech construction that's mostly Merino wool—a material that's naturally odor-resistant, quick-drying, and, perhaps most importantly, moisture-wicking. Adding nylon and spandex into the mix helps make this even more durable with just the right amount of give. Plus, as the name implies, the heavy cushioning makes this great for everything from casual day hikes to longer overnight adventures—pretty much anywhere your feet need to stay extra dry and comfy.

The only downside? Price. This is definitely in the "premium" category. But, you really do get what you pay for, as this is one of the best moisture-wicking socks we've ever tested.

Lululemon's Power Stride Tab Sock is designed for training, and that much is clear as soon as you slip this on for the first time. A durable knit heel offers a locked-in feeling, while a snug midfoot creates an athletic, arch-supporting fit. The fabric feels noticeably thicker throughout the sock compared to most performance socks, yet it's still incredibly quick-drying.

We've noticed less chance of chafing when we sport this for a high-intensity workout or run. The heel is also complete with an extra-long fabric tab, so not only will you avoid a blister on your Achilles area, but you won't have to worry about this slipping down while you run, either.

Though there are fancier, higher-tech performance options available today, there will always be a place for the classics. Hanes' no-frills approach to no-shows design for performance wear makes sense. There's minimal cushioning, no added compression, and the incredibly breathable, quick-drying fabric effectively pulls moisture away from the skin.

At this price, it's hard to find a more affordable grab to stock your sock drawer. However, if you're blister-prone or running long distances often, you might want an option with more bells and whistles.

A little added cushion to protect high-impact areas is always a good idea when running, especially on the road. The cushion on this sock from Darn Tough comes from stacks of knit, which are created from a fabric blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex. Added cushioning in the footbed helps to keep things comfortable for the duration of your workout.

Thanks to the addition of Coolmax polyester, this performance sock not only keep your feet dry and absorb shock, but it'll keep them cool, too. The ankle-height design is versatile enough for running and casual, everyday wear but protective enough to avoid chafing through the ankle.

This Lulu sock is our ideal ankle length between true crews and no-shows. It's made of nylon and elastane, which makes for a double-dry build that still feels subsequently lighter and thinner than competing socks, thanks to the cotton-free material.

We've had two pairs in our rotation for two years now, and they've each been worn and washed multiple times every week. Today that Lululemon quality shines through as they're still good as new, save a few spots where the fabric is pilling.

Like working men and fitness enthusiasts, runners demand serious performance from their workout gear. Socks are no exception. This runner favorite features a synthetic fabric blend with reinforced nylon in the heel and toe that wicks away sweat, prevents chafing, and stays put. Mesh panels help ventilate your feet when things heat up, while plush cushioning delivers lasting comfort. A seamless, reinforced toe also maximizes comfort, even on the longest runs.

Like many of the best moisture-wicking socks, it isn't cheap. At this price point, you're not quite paying a premium, but it isn't a steal, either.

For cyclists who demand comfort and support in their gear without compromising on style, the Entrata 9 socks are a no-brainer. The nylon fabric is not only effective in wicking away sweat but also maintains its shape even on long rides. The cushioning and arch compression provides a level of comfort that's a cut above most competitors, too.

One of our favorite features is the taller cuff (9 cm), which ensures this sock stays firmly in place at just the right height, eliminating any annoying slippage or chafing. For anyone who racks up miles regularly, the arch support is also a total must-have.

For hikers and trail runners looking for more padding with every step, a properly cushioned sock is the only way to go. This lightly cushioned mid-crew sock from Smartwool features just the right amount of under-foot padding to keep your feet comfortable on the trails.

The secret sauce is a construction that's heavy on Merino wool for maximum moisture-wicking and odor protection. We can attest that it's extremely durable, as ours have held up for well over a year with many miles.

If you prefer socks with maximum cushioning, we recommend Feetures' Merino 10 Max Cushion Mini Crew. It's outfitted with high-density padding in the sole to provide a pillowy-yet-responsive bounce with every step you take.

Moisture-wicking fibers are woven throughout to find off moisture and keep your feet cool and dry, mile after mile. The fiber is also extremely durable, ensuring that these will hold up for years, even after repeated washes and wear.

Alpaca wool is having a moment in the world of performance apparel. Take Paka's Performance 3/4 Crew Sock, which offers all the benefits of classic Merino wool, including odor-minimization, excellent durability, and a soft no-itch feel.

Plus, Paka's sock is enhanced with the right synthetics (namely Tencel and nylon) for a "best of both worlds" construction. By adding a dash of spandex, it also offers the perfect amount of stretch to conform to your feet perfectly. Bonus: It's made with 100% traceable fibers, making it greener than most of the best moisture-wicking socks we tested this year.

What Else to Consider

Design

Some call this an option; we say it’s a must-have. And more specifically, a seamless design: A unique sewing technique that all but eliminates the awkward seam often found at the top of the toe in lesser socks—you know the one that perpetually digs into your feet all day long. It’s a far more comfortable option, especially if you’re active.

Compression

Compression socks used to be for people with serious medical conditions. These days, athletes, long-haul travelers, and anyone who works long days on their feet swear by them. As the name implies, they physically compress your lower extremities to help stimulate blood flow. Note that if you’ve never worn them before, the sensation can feel very constricting and weird. They often take some getting used to, but there’s plenty of scientific evidence to suggest that they help promote better circulation and post-workout/post-training recovery.

Durability

Durability is typically a by-product of the types of fabric used. The better the fabric, the longer your socks will last. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find durable socks, but the best models are more expensive. If you’re hard on your clothing—you work on your feet all day, hike on the regular, or run every other day—consider splurging on the most durable, moisture-wicking socks you can afford.

Are Moisture-Wicking Socks Worth It?

If you tend to sweat a lot, live, work, or play in a hot environment, or regularly engage in high-intensity activities, moisture-wicking socks are absolutely worth it. The best moisture-wicking socks use next-gen fibers and fabrics to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable. Most use Merino wool, synthetics, or a combination of the two for maximum moisture management. The result is almost always a reduction in blisters, foot odor, and even worse things like athlete's foot. All in all, this makes for better performance for athletes or anyone who's hard on their feet.

How Do Moisture-Wicking Socks Work?

Moisture-wicking socks are often designed with natural fibers like Merino wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester, Gore-Tex, nylon, and spandex to handle wetness better than traditional materials. These fabrics have tiny spaces in the knit or mesh that allow moisture to move through, evaporating quickly. So, when you sweat wearing moisture-wicking socks, it moves to the outer layer, avoiding fabric saturation and skin dampness that can lead to chafing and skin irritation.

"Synthetic materials are better at moisture-wicking as they not only pull sweat moisture away from the skin, but they also dry quickly and don’t hold onto moisture," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS dermatology. These fabrics are ideal in performance and athleisure wear, as they can keep you drier and more comfortable during workouts than traditional materials.

"Cotton, on the other hand, while it can absorb sweat and moisture from the skin, it is more likely to hold onto the moisture and not dry as quickly, leaving the sweat in prolonged contact with the skin," Dr. Garshick says.

Are Thick or Thin Socks Better for Sweaty Feet?

Thick socks are often more padded and comfortable, especially for anyone who works out, works long hours, or is regularly on their feet for long stretches at a time. But, for the best moisture management, you want a sock that's thinner to maximize airflow and allow your foot sweat to come to the fabric's surface for fast evaporation. Even better: Socks with some form of built-in mesh to speed up the process even more.